2016 Magic Millions Cup Calls For Peace Force

Sydney’s Gerald Ryan will take his Magic Millions Cup 2016 bound mare Peace Force to Brisbane this Saturday for a sprint feature at Doomben Racecourse as she gears up for a $1 million Gold Coast run next month.

Formerly prepared by John O’Shea, the now six-year-old daughter of Bernardini was a dual nominee across both Sydney and Brisbane for Saturday but will head to the Sunshine State for a shot at the $175,000 Listed Jones Retail Lough Neagh Stakes (1350m).

A run over the Randwick mile in the $250,000 Group 2 Villiers Stakes (1600m) was also considered but Ryan is confident she’ll be better over the shorter distance instead.

“Peace Force has had three goes at 1600 metres and been beaten every time,” Ryan told AAP.

She has strong form over 1350m with four wins, four seconds and a third from a dozen starts over the distance of her Brisbane assignment on Saturday and also won the Group 3 Glenlogan Park Stakes (1350m) at her only other Doomben run to date.

While she has raced competitively over a mile including her second to Mamwaazel in the Group 3 Belle of the Turf Stakes (1600m) at Gosford back in January, Ryan is aiming her at a 1400m feature at the Gold Coast on January 9.

“She did run second in the Belle Of The Turf at Gosford but at 1600 metres in good company the last little bit probably finds her out,” he said.

“She has won at 1350 metres at Doomben in stakes’ company.

“She is a half-sister to (Australian Derby winner) Eremein and is already a valuable mare so another black-type win will obviously be good for her.”

He has the $1 million Magic Millions Cup (1400m) on the radar and hopes she can run well in the Lough Neagh Stakes leading up that restricted feature.

The MM Cup will be her first start at the Gold Coast after missing out on a run in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara there in the winter due to an eye infection.

The other possible Magic Millions Day option for the $80,000 buy is the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Handicap (1300m).

Last start Peace Force was beaten just a quarter length when third to Villiers Stakes hope Mighty Lucky in the Listed Festival Stakes (1500m) carrying 54.5kg from barrier 13 of 14 in the Rosehill race.

In the Lough Neagh Stakes she has drawn wide again in gate 10 of 11 with Tye Angland to ride her on 55kg as she takes on the likes of Keith Noud Handicap winner Steel Zip, George Moore Stakes runner-up Gundy Spirit, third in the same lead-up Fontelina and Group 1 winner Temple Of Boom.

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